Intrasexual competition between women is not as well recognised as between men, the experts say. But Tracey Vaillancourt of the University of Ottowa has found that women can be tough on their sexual competition. “Women and intolerant of attractive females and use indirect aggression to derogate potential rivals”, she notes in a new paper.

In one study she found that almost all women were negative towards a women who was dressed provocatively. Independent observers noted that they used indirect aggression, (or made bitchy comments they noted). When the same woman dressed conservatively they paid her not attention.

In a second study sexy women were found to be seen as rivals. Other women didn’t want to introduce them to their boyfriends, or allow their partners to spend time alone with them or be friends.

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